Chapter 110: Golden Will 2

Chapter 110: Golden Will 2



'Today is finally the day.'

For Lucas, no single day had been more exciting or more anticipated than this one.

Months of relentless training, countless hours spent honing his skills, and unwavering determination had all led to this moment.

Lucas had long sought Riley's attention, hoping to prove himself worthy in the eyes of the one he admired most.

Despite Riley's constant indifference, today was different. There would be no escape from this duel.

To Riley, this might seem like just another match, a mere formality in the grand scheme of the festival.

But for Lucas, this was the culmination of all his efforts, the embodiment of his dedication to the knight's code of honor.

This duel was more than just a fight-it was a chance to demonstrate the true spirit of a knight.

'I'm sure he'll see it through my sword.'

Lucas wanted Riley to witness it, to recognize the essence of knighthood in his every move, every strike. He wanted Riley to see the depth of his conviction, the strength of his resolve. "Lucas..."

"Janica."

Recognizing the soft voice, Lucas turned around to see his childhood best friend, Janica Mortelina. It had been quite some time since they'd had a normal conversation after their brief falling out.

Although they had somewhat reconciled a few days ago, the looming Grand Festival had left them with little time to properly mend their awkward relationship.

"It's been a while, huh? It was a bit hard catching up to you with all the training you've put yourself through... Ah-ah, of course, I'm not blaming you, okay? W-we're done with-no, I mean I'm done complaining about that part, so yeah, it's okay for you to train all you want. Of course, I know you-"

"I'm truly sorry, Janica!"

"Huh?"

"I know you were just worried about me that time, and I ended up lashing out at you. That's why I'm truly sorry!"

"Mm, it's alright. I understand where you were coming from anyway. After all, I know how annoying I can be, hehe~ and didn't we already talk about this last time?"

"I never apologized last time."

"Is that so... t-then apology accepted. Now hurry up and raise your head; it's embarrassing me."

It was still very early in the morning, so there weren't many people around, but even so, Janica felt uncomfortable seeing Lucas bowing to her.

Lucas slowly lifted his head, a mixture of relief and gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Janica. I promise I'll make it up to you."

Janica smiled warmly, her initial awkwardness giving way to genuine affection. "You don't have to make it up to me, Lucas."

'Just being by your side is more than enough...'

"Did you say something?" Lucas asked, straightening up and looking into her eyes.

"Nn, no," Janica replied quickly.

As Lucas straightened up and looked into her eyes, Janica smiled, seeing his apologetic look. 'He's still the same old Lucas I know,' she thought.

At first, she had been worried that academy life and Riley's sudden influence might have changed Lucas for the worse.

But now, after seeing him apologize so earnestly, she realized he was still the same old crybaby Lucas who couldn't keep himself from feeling guilty.

Although it felt great to be apologized to, knowing that she was partly at fault for their fight as well made her feel embarrassed about all of it. 'I just wish he wasn't as stubborn as he is.' "Now, now, let's forget about all of this for now and hurry to our classroom, shall we? Professor Ferdinand asked us to arrive early, right?" Janica suggested.

Lucas nodded, finding Janica's actions a positive sign that she truly accepted his apology. "You're right. Let's go."

As they walked toward the classroom, side by side, Lucas couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him.

The weight of their previous tension had lifted, replaced by the warmth of their rekindled friendship.

The weight of their previous tension had lifted, replaced by the warmth of their rekindled friendship. As they walked into the classroom, they were greeted by a familiar and bustling scene.

"Everyone sure came here early~" Janica noted cheerfully.

Lucas scanned the room, noting that Riley and Seo were still absent.

Professors Ferdinand and his assistant professor Yuki were already there, waiting for the entire Class S to show up.

Despite the somewhat lively atmosphere due to professor Ferdenand's presence, Lucas couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the sight of the two empty seats.

The twins were still missing, their disappearance a mystery despite the academy's profound investigations.

Ignoring such troubling thoughts for now, Lucas mentally prepared himself for the upcoming fight.

Thinking too much about uncertain things would only make him dull in the battle arena. There was only one goal Lucas had in mind when facing Riley, and that was to win.

To some, his overall demeanor might seem like that of a stubborn guy who couldn't accept the outcome of his first bout with Riley.

But to him, it was more than that. This was about proving his worth, not just to Riley, but to

"Remember, kid, an insult to your honor is an insult to your very memory itself. You must always make sure to reclaim that honor!"

"But how do I do that, mister?"

"Well, of course, you beat the shit out of the one who dishonored it! Hahaha!"

Recalling the wise words of the drunken knights who had visited their village one time,

Lucas's resolve strengthened.

His eyes locked onto the figure who opened the classroom door, walking alongside their top

classmate.

Riley's blue eyes were as cold as ever, and his golden hair seemed to shine like a crown in the

Lucas closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath before drawing his sword from its sheath. A golden aura enveloped the blade, dancing like ethereal fairies.

Rays of golden energy radiated from his weapon, and the air around him seemed to shimmer

with a threatening density, as if the very winds were converging around his blade, ready to slice through anything in its path.

His energy was palpable, far more intense than I had remembered.

I didn't need to see his stats to assess his strength; my enhanced senses were enough to gauge

his formidable power.

Shit...

He really got stronger. There goes one of my reasons for participating in this fight. Clenching my fists, I steeled myself for the inevitable clash. My mana began to coat my body,

enveloping me in a protective layer.

My breathing and heartbeat slowed, the heat surging through my veins as I felt my weight

become both lighter and denser. Every muscle in my body tensed, ready to spring into action.

The crowd's cheers faded into the background as I focused solely on Lucas. He stood poised, the golden aura around his sword pulsing with energy.

I mirrored his stance, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline as my own mana flared to life,

surrounding me in a shimmering blue light.

The way Lucas positioned himself was unmistakable-he was preparing to use his most

spammed move from the game.

It was a technique he often relied on, and seeing him adopt this stance filled me with a mix of

anticipation and determination.

[Golden Shower]

A three-step sword strike, essentially a powerful three-hit combo designed to disarm and

end fights swiftly. It was a self-taught technique, one of Lucas's signature moves.

While undeniably potent, it had its weaknesses.

I don't know what he's trying to convey by making this his first move, but it's clear he means

business.

[Status Info:]

[Taylor Hell]

[Race: Human]

[Level: 79] [Strength: B [0/80]] [Agility: D [0/50]] [Endurance: C[0/60]] [Luck: o [????]]

[Power: C [0/60]]

[Available Status Points: 35]

[Skills Info:]

[Intermediate Swordsmanship (Proficiency 45%)] [Piercing Strike!] [Proficiency (90%)] [Mana Amplification] [Proficiency (80%)]

[Time Dilation] [Proficiency (97%)] [Dash] [Proficiency (55%)] [Heavy Strike] [Proficiency (45%)]

[Thought Acceleration] [Proficiency (18%)] [Flash Step] [Proficiency (10%)] [Blood Rampage (Rare)] [Proficiency (5%)]

[Raging Storms] [Proficiency (1%)]

[Golden Lightning] [Proficiency (1%)] [Passive Skills:]

[Monarch's Will (Locked)] [Passive Effect: Charisma + EX]

[Current proficiency: 15%] [Influence: 60]

[Presence: 80]

When faced with aggression, the best defense is a strong offense.

It was time to make my move. [Mana Amplification] [Proficiency (80%)] → [Activated] [Skill: Dash] [Proficiency (55%)] → [Activated] [Skill: Flash Step] [Proficiency (10%)] → [Activated]

[Skill: Heavy Strike] [Proficiency (45%)] → [Activated]

[Skill: Golden Lightning] [Proficiency (1%)] → [Activated] Rumble! - Rumble!

My body moved like a blur of lightning, my sword whistling through the air as it aimed for

Lucas's neck.

The sheer speed of my attack left a trail of golden sparks, illuminating the arena with an

electrifying aura.

Lucas's eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't falter.

His instincts kicked in, and he parried my strike at the last moment.

BOOM!!!

The impact of our swords sent a shockwave through the air as a massive explosion of golden

sparks danced around the empty air.